Care product retailer offers free prevention of infection posters

As part of International Infection Prevention Week, which this year runs from 19 to 25 October, a care products’ retailer has produced some free downloadable posters for use in care homes to spread the message that everyone plays a role in infection prevention.

The main theme of this year’s week is the growing threat of antibiotic-resistant superbugs across the globe. According to research, healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) affect more than four million people in Europe and cost the NHS an estimated £1 billion every year.

The posters have been created by Care Shop with the help of the Infection Prevention Society (IPS) and feature essential infection prevention and control guidelines that care homes and its carers, residents and visitors need to remember.

Caroline Johnson, digital marketing manager at Care Shop, said: “International Infection Prevention Week aims to raise awareness of healthcare-associated infections and the effect they have on patient and resident safety. It is the ideal time for care and nursing homes to take a look at their infection control measures and see what they could be doing better.

“We believe that many people don’t fully know or understand their responsibilities when it comes to preventing the spread of infection, especially visitors and residents. Hand hygiene is usually the main focus in care and nursing home environments, but there are so many other things to consider, from resident bedrooms to wounds and medication.

The four posters are free to download from the Care Shop website at www.careshop.co.uk/international-infection-prevention-week